4* Review Endurance

Posted on January 25, 2019 by flwq1578

I want to start this by saying that I am normally terrible at reading series. I will start a million series, and never pick up the next ones to find out what happens. And I almost just signed up to read and review the first book in this series. But boy am I glad I got all four that were out! I loved the ride this series took me on. And I would highly recommend this series.

Without telling anything away about previous books, in case you haven’t read them…which you definitely should! I want to give a few generalizations (which I have touched on in previous reviews but that’s okay). First of all I loved the characters in this series. Lance Erlick really knows how to take a character and make them the best/worst. In each case in this series, I felt like the characters were portrayed perfectly how they are meant to be. Regina is a kick-ass, smart, awesome female. And the people after her are perfectly bad. I don’t know how to explain it, but this is one of those series that when characters pop up, I’m not inwardly groaning that it was a paper cut out scene. They all have depth. And especially in a dystopian, I don’t see a whole lot with entire casts. So A+ there!! And also the world building. It was this great idea in the first book and the author ran with it and gave it background and meaning. And really made the story his own. I loved it. I think that is what makes this series so readable is that you get invested in the world and the characters. So there is so much more at stake while reading.

This particular book has Regina hoping to barter for her sister. Volpe and Demarco are after her. So much happens, and I am left needing more. I can’t even fathom waiting for the next book to be released, because this one was just released this year!! As of right now, I don’t see anything on Goodreads to indicate another book, but I hope there is! I love this series. And will definitely be re-reading them in hopes/preparation for following releases. I also will be putting Lance Erlick on my author to watch out for more books list because I feel that anything he writes will be fleshed out and wonderful!!!!

(http://bookishlydevoted.blogspot.ca/2016/07/endurance-by-lance-erlick.html)

4* Review Resilience

Posted on January 11, 2019 by flwq1578

An adventurous and action packed novel for teens, Lance Erlick has written a captivating and thrilling dystopian series, beginning with book one in the Regina Shen Series, Resilience. This story is about a young girl, Regina, which must survive in a cruel and harsh world. She lives as a scavenger in a swamp with her mother and younger sister and attends a little local community school. But when a ginormous hurricane-like storm hits, and everyone must flee for dry ground, Regina is separated from her family. Regina must learn to fend for herself and avoid the patrol-women that are now hunting her in order to survive. While fleeing the patrol-women that seem to be particularly interested in her for some reason, Regina wounds her foot when it gets stuck in an animal trap. This throws a kink in Regina’s escape and look for her family plan, but not for long. I would recommend this novel to any teen who enjoys actioned filled science fiction, dystopian novels.

Book Rating: 4 stars

(Sydney Anderson)

http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/teens/resilience-regina-shen-1-by-lance-erlick-book-tour-review-author-interview-giveaway

4.5* Review Resilience

Posted on December 14, 2018 by flwq1578

This is the first book in this series, which must be read in order. Regina Shen is an outcast. Forced by the World Federation, Regina must live on the seaward side of the barrier walls meant to hold back seas that area rising due to climate change. Some many things happen to Regina. A major hurricane (a category 5) almost destroys what Regina has left in the world

As all this is happening there is a decline in the population and Joanne Demarco thinks that Regina is the key. Regina is on the run to stay alive and avoid being capture.
This book is written as if Regina is telling the story (so it is written in first person). It does go to Demarco side of the story and when it does it becomes third person. This book would be included in the genre where the government has taken over promising everything will be better but in reality they are causing nothing but harm. Each morning Regina and her classmates have World Federation (as it is called) regulations before their day at school begins, including praying to Mary and reciting what they call the twelve commandments.

This was a very good book. It was exciting and full of adventure. It has great themes like taking care of family. Regina mentions early in the book she could not die. She has to survive in order to protect her sister Collene. This book was one that once I picked up I could not stop reading. The author has great writing skills. His writing is on the same caliber as some of the top writers in this genre. The reader could connect with the characters.

One thing I need to point out in the book is that in the beginning that it states there are not males. Scientists have figured out a way to take skin from one woman to another and a child is born. Even though this is one way the government has figured out a way to control more people, it does cover a touchy topic for many people. Yes this book is a work of fiction but this did bother me and I want to let others to be aware of it. Also I should point out that the government officials are called GODs which stands for Grand Old Dames. The book mentions how the people (well women) were only allowed to pray to them. They really did see themselves as gods.
There is also some foul language in this book. It uses words like d*. It uses some others as well.

Over all this is a wonderful book that I highly recommend. This book is one I personally could not put down. This book really is a treasure that anyone who likes this genre (YA, science fiction, post-apocalyptic and so forth) should not miss. This book is 4.5 out of 5. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. This is such a wonderful book.

I received this book from iRead Book tours in exchange for an honest review.

(Alaina)

4* Review Resilience

Posted on September 14, 2018 by flwq1578

This was a great book. Regina seems to have the odds stacked against her. Thankfully she has the chance to get a bit of education. Mo Mere also teaches her about what the world was like before the GODs. But the most important thing to her is her family. When her mother abandons her to the storm it really bothers Regina. When her sister is taken, Regina goes after her and plans to rescue her. But this is not an easy path since there is danger at every step. But she doesn’t let that stop her. Although it does get her into trouble a couple times rushing in without looking around.

This is a great start to the series. The setting was perfect, I could just see people trying to survive in swamps after being dumped out of the countries walls. I admit that Regina pining over her mother did get a little irritating since her mother has clearly been gone more and more lately. I do have to remind myself that she is a young girl and this is the ultimate betrayal.

I do like the story and am eager to read Vigilance to see if she does rescue her sister.

(https://jbronderbookreviews.com/2016/07/25/resilience/)

5* Review Endurance

Posted on August 17, 2018 by flwq1578

DeMarco and Volpe are still fighting to get their hands on Regina and the government is still trying to figure out who is going to be the next World Premier. But things are going to get tough when Regina’s mother makes another appearance and Regina has to make some tough decisions.

Regina is still holding out hope to rescue Colleen. She still hopes that finding this vault could be enough to save Colleen. But Ester and Regina are trying to find a hidden vault in the middle of a huge desert and if they do find it all they can do is hope that it has survived time. The real question is if she does find the vault would the government accept it.

I love this series and have heard this is the last book. I hope not since somethings were left open and I hope to see how they are finished. I am very proud of Regina, she has grown into a strong woman that is needed to survive in this world. This is a great series and one that I strongly recommend for those that like the post-apocalyptic/dystopian books.

(https://jbronderbookreviews.com/2016/07/28/endurance/)

5* Review Resilience

Posted on July 20, 2018 by flwq1578

It was love at first page! Seriously I loved everything about this book, I’m even in love with the book cover. I took this book everywhere with me so I could read it every little chance I got and couldn’t wait to continue reading when I had to put it down for any reason. Resilience had all the things I want in a book especially my top 2 requirements of a great book which are great characters and plenty of action/adventure. The story reminds of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner (the movies because I have never read the books).

Resilience is the first book in a series and that makes me happy because I’m not ready to leave Regina Shen’s world yet, even though it’s a world without men and that would be sad :(. I can’t wait to read them all and find out what Regina and her friends get into next! I would recommend this book to EVERYONE! I give it 5 stars.

(Joana Arteago, http://alwaysjoart.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-with-giveaway-regina-shen.html)

4* Review Endurance

Posted on June 15, 2018 by flwq1578

Oh Regina. My friend Regina. I feel like her friend. I feel an attachment. I have been through so much with her and have cheered her on the entire way. Four books. A series. (I highly recommend reading these in order, together, as soon as possible!)

Supposedly this is the final book in the series, but I am not convinced! I feel like there are still unanswered questions and curious what happens next. Things were left… unfinished. Don’t get me wrong, I feel like some things were finally explained but there are still some things that weren’t wrapped up.

All in all, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and will be passing it on to my 10 year old to read. It isn’t inappropriate. It is future based with a lot of intrigue and interest, twists and turns, edge of your seat suspense (but not in a bad, scary way suspense.)

I definitely recommend picking up the Regina Shen series!

(Leila)

http://lifeasleels.com/regina-shen-endurance/

4* Review Resilience

Posted on May 18, 2018 by flwq1578

Regina Shen lives in the swamps on the seaward side of the wall of the World Federation. Regina is one of the “marginals’ who survive beyond the help of the government. But the government is experiencing some difficulties. The world of only females is having trouble reproducing. The DNA that has helped society continue has degenerated so that the species is at risk.

The Federal agents are testing the marginal girls and have found two with a viable DNA… the Shen sisters, Regina and her younger sister, Colleen. The girls are on the run from a hurricane and the Federal agents, especially the Department of Antiquities Chief Inspector, DeMarco. DeMarco sees the girls, especially Regina, as her ticket up the power chain.

Regina is intent on finding her missing mother and sister. She keeps going back into danger, desperate to find Colleen. DeMarco has resources including the government technology of tracking devices, power boats, weapons and a network of marginal traders who barter everything they can, including girls. Although she is hot on her heels, Regina, with her affinity for the swamps, continues to evade capture.

Regina finds friends along the way who help her survive until she returns to her beloved teacher Mo-Mere. Mo-Mere was once within the walls until they cast her out. She knows that Regina is special and she wants to train and prepare her for more. Regina isn’t one to sit and hide. She wants to be out salvaging and helping to carry her own weight. But how can Regina stay with her friends without putting them in danger?

I like Regina’s strong character even though she is young, impulsive and makes foolish mistakes. She is also resourceful and caring. She is lucky to find good friends along her journey. DeMarco is a villain you like to dislike and I kept hoping she would meet an unpleasant fate. There is some repetition of the circumstances and it seemed like Regina was often more worried about food than getting to a place of safety. Granted she has to get food and water to survive but it just seemed like too much emphasis to me. (Then again… it is YA which sometimes pushes my patience.) Other than that, the writing flows well and has good pacing with tension building action.

I like how Regina is becoming a symbol of hope for the marginals. Still, she is in constant danger of betrayal or capture. I am looking forward to continuing the story in a week with book 2, Vigilance.

(Martha Eskuchen, http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-and-tour-giveaway-regina.html)

Review: Endurance

Posted on April 27, 2018 by flwq1578

I really like this series. Endurance is the fourth book in the Regina Shen series.

Lance Erlick’s writing flows well and his descriptions are great. He has the ability to make you feel like you’re actually there.

Regina Shen only has one goal: to save her sister from the Department of Antiquities; however, she’s beginning to think that there’s more to her destiny once she does save her sister. Regina continues to grow as a character and is a very strong young woman.

There is so much corruption in the Federation that no one can be trusted. Inspector Demarco is close to losing her job to Volpe, who was once her inferior, and instead of working together to find Regina, they’re each trying to find her first. Regina knows she can’t trust either one of them but sometimes it’s necessary to choose the lesser of two evils. But will that work out for her?

I really like this series. It is full of action and suspense and this book had several twists. I’m hoping there’s another book to come.

(bound7escape.com)

4* Review Resilience

Posted on April 6, 2018 by flwq1578

This was a different read for me and I’m glad that I took a chance on this unique take on a world without men.

I was hooked from the start, the world building was fantastic and it drew me in a way that had me thinking I was watching a movie.

I was so-so on Regina at first, but she soon grew on me and has become one of my fav charters of the year, not only her but Wendy was well. I loved their stringent, bravery and loyalty. Regina is a fire cracker and isn’t afraid to back down.

I don’t want to give anything away, this was a short read but an outstanding one. The world is rich, sinister, and gets your mind thinking about the what if’s.

I highly recommend this book, it will change the way you look at an all-woman world. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment.

Happy Reading

(E.A. Walsh, http://dontjudgeread.blogspot.ca/p/regina-shen-series.html)

5* Review Resilience

Posted on June 23, 2017 by flwq1578

Think Hunger Games. Think in the future (way future) and battle for survival. The rich survive while the poor fight for their lives to be… well, the last one standing.

Let me set the scene…

The inner circle is surrounded by a giant wall. Have you ever watched the Avatar cartoon? The “big city” is surrounded by this giant wall to keep the outside world out, separate from the inside world. That’s what we have here.

On the inside is the “worthy”. BUT, they are all women. No men. The world is run by women. “Grand Old Dames” to be exact. Hundreds of years old Grand Old Dames because technology.

On the outside is “swamp” with the residents being called “swamp rats”. Again, no men. All women. (Men no longer exist, sorry guys!)

Resilience essentially follows Regina going through a severe thunderstorm that floods the entire swamp, losing her family and everyone else they knew.

While trying to survive the swamp and all that comes with it, the flooding, and losing everything (family, home and belongings) she now must remain out of the reach of the Antiquities from the “inner city” who want her unique DNA for breeding.

I thoroughly enjoyed following Regina’s adventures and escapes as well as her creativity. I look forward to reading the next books in the series to see what happens to her along the way!

(by Lela at http://lifeasleels.com/regina-shen-resilience-book-1/)

Interview–Regina Shen 1

Posted on May 8, 2017 by flwq1578

How much of the Regina Shen series is realistic?

While I hope we can avoid the calamity of rising seas and economic collapse, there are those who would suppress knowledge of the past and knowledge they don’t approve of to suit their aims. We may not have an official caste system, but at times in our history moving up from our birth station has been difficult for many. The places in the story match names on our maps, but after four hundred years have changed in ways to be unrecognizable. In addition, I’ve taken a few liberties for the sake of creating an interesting story. Thus, I believe the conflicts, emotions, and struggles are real, yet this is a futuristic, some might say fantasy type world.